Alabama, that was impressive

[Louis_Skunt]

Bama and Auburn are just on a different level than we are.

Don’t be mad BBN, it’s Popes first year with 3.5 players out vs a seasoned coach and team.

Noah, Perry and Chandler wouldn’t even see the floor if they played for Bama.

We’ve had some great wins vs Duke, Zags, UL, UT twice. We’re above what we expected. Go easy.

 

[Supafuzz75]

Shit happens and they all looked hung over from the game earlier yesterday morning.. Did the best they could do considering.. I'm 100% happy with the way the season has went so far.. Rest up for next Thur or Fri and get that first game win and that'll be everything I wanted before season started.. If go further,, bonus..

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

I think our real fans get it.

People forget there's a ton of trolls on this message board.

 

[Fox2monk]

I think our real fans get it.

People forget there's a ton of trolls on this message board.

No doubt but it sure was disheartening watching that. Mainly because I love this team.

 

[CatPatrick13]

Great thread OP and contributors..... let's rest up and win a couple next week.

 

[Louis_Skunt]

No doubt but it sure was disheartening watching that. Mainly because I love this team.

Same. Having 2 Kentucky kids is like having blood in the game, but they’re just not on the same talent level as these top college guards.
Sears couldn’t literally do whatever he wanted to them each possession.

 

[JimBR]

Shit happens and they all looked hung over from the game earlier yesterday morning.. Did the best they could do considering.. I'm 100% happy with the way the season has went so far.. Rest up for next Thur or Fri and get that first game win and that'll be everything I wanted before season started.. If go further,, bonus..

The last game of the day is the worst time slot.

 

[Edgarman]

Same. Having 2 Kentucky kids is like having blood in the game, but they’re just not on the same talent level as these top college guards.
Sears couldn’t literally do whatever he wanted to them each possession.

Sears did that to most teams this year. We out kicked our coverage this year by being significantly by a big margin better than any of us really expected in preseason. Pope far exceeded what I had hoped we could do this year.

 

[65pacecar]

Some great wins this season and fun basketball to watch, glad Pope is here and I think he will do some great stuff at UK. If this season wasn’t derailed by injuries I think they could have made a deep run, it’s a shame because they are a very likable group.

 

[chroix]

We’re just outside the top tier (Duke, Bama, Auburn) which is a real testament to what Pope built on the fly. Those coaches have built those teams over multiple seasons. I can get feeling disappointed they’ve faced so many challenges, but anybody spinning this as a bad season is a fool.

 

[wobycat]

If this team is healthy, they play with anyone. It’s been proven

 

[Aike]

Honestly though, Bama hasn’t been much better than us on the season.

They’ve been better when we played them, yeah. But they’ve also been really loose with the ball and played below last year’s level for most of the season.

Kentucky at full strength and Bama at full strength were pretty close. I wouid still give the slight edge to Bama. Last night we saw them clicking on all cylinders, while we were clearly depleted.

That version of Bama from last night can win it all. We probably can’t, unless we get incredibly lucky with both our draw and with health the rest of the way.

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

Bama just has better athletes on the perimeter. It is what it is. Kentucky has still done a good job against them twice. Either way get butler healthy and let’s go win a couple of tourney games

 

[Someguywhodoesntlikeyou]

I think our real fans get it.

People forget there's a ton of trolls on this message board.

You must be really young or frankly naive.

Kentucky fans have always been like this. There’s always been a portion of this fan base that has always acted like this. We just have the internet and social media now which amplifies those voices.

 

[Haggin_Hall_1983]

Bama and Auburn are just on a different level than we are.

Don’t be mad BBN, it’s Popes first year with 3.5 players out vs a seasoned coach and team.

Noah, Perry and Chandler wouldn’t even see the floor if they played for Bama.

We’ve had some great wins vs Duke, Zags, UL, UT twice. We’re above what we expected. Go easy.

And Florida is on a different level than anyone else in the country (when they are all healthy)- just my opinion. They are my pick to win it all, but my favorite of course is my C-A-T-S.

 

[Haggin_Hall_1983]

Same. Having 2 Kentucky kids is like having blood in the game, but they’re just not on the same talent level as these top college guards.
Sears couldn’t literally do whatever he wanted to them each possession.

Players develop. I wonder what Mark Sears freshman year stats would have been playing against our schedule this year?

Season Averages

season	Team
2020-21	OHIO
2021-22	OHIO
2022-23	ALA
2023-24	ALA
2024-25	ALA
Career

GP	GS	MIN	FG	FG%	3PT	3P%	FT	FT%	OR	DR	REB	AST	BLK	STL	PF	TO	PTS
24	5	19.5	2.7-5.7	47.1	0.5-1.8	28.6	2.6-3.1	85.1	0.8	2.0	2.8	3.3	0.0	1.0	1.5	1.2	8.5
35	35	35.7	6.2-14.0	44.4	1.7-4.2	40.8	5.4-6.1	88.4	2.0	4.0	6.0	4.1	0.1	1.7	1.9	3.2	19.6
37	37	29.8	3.7-9.1	40.6	1.9-5.4	34.5	3.3-3.9	84.7	0.7	2.8	3.5	2.6	0.1	1.2	1.6	1.9	12.5
37	37	33.6	6.8-13.4	50.8	2.6-5.9	43.6	5.4-6.2	85.7	0.9	3.3	4.2	4.0	0.1	1.6	2.0	2.4	21.5
32	32	32.7	5.4-13.4	40.6	2.4-7.1	34.4	5.7-6.7	85.0	0.5	2.6	3.0	5.0	0.1	0.9	1.4	2.6	19.0
165	146	31.0	5.1-11.4	44.7	1.9-5.1	37.6	4.6-5.3	86.0	1.0	3.0	4.0	3.8	0.1	1.3	1.7	2.3	16.7

 

[UK67KU59]

Kudos to Bama - they have the pieces and were prepared annd energized to win. Auburn, Florida and Bama all are legit threats to take home the trophy in April.

 

[Gator Fever]

And Florida is on a different level than anyone else in the country (when they are all healthy)- just my opinion. They are my pick to win it all, but my favorite of course is my C-A-T-S.

KY is the only team that we played and don't have a win against this season. I am not expecting any help from the refs today playing Bama. I am kind of curious how they play us today strategy wise since that defensive strategy they tried last time didn't get them a win.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

We’re just outside the top tier (Duke, Bama, Auburn) which is a real testament to what Pope built on the fly. Those coaches have built those teams over multiple seasons. I can get feeling disappointed they’ve faced so many challenges, but anybody spinning this as a bad season is a fool.

No one gets to build over multiple seasons. Everyone is one and done with the portal.

I love pope too but here's the harsh truth: even given a short time he got basically everyone he wanted. Next years talent level wont look much different. So these guys are a typical pope team and against elite athletes we get shut down and we can't defend because we have only shooters.

Imo he sounded defeated post game because he knows his system with shooters isn't enough to win the sec but his system only works with shooters. So he has to reevaluate everything about his core philosophy.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

No one gets to build over multiple seasons. Everyone is one and done with the portal.

I love pope too but here's the harsh truth: even given a short time he got basically everyone he wanted. Next years talent level wont look much different. So these guys are a typical pope team and against elite athletes we get shut down and we can't defend because we have only shooters.

Imo he sounded defeated post game because he knows his system with shooters isn't enough to win the sec but his system only works with shooters. So he has to reevaluate everything about his core philosophy.

We definitely need some elite athlete basketball players going forward.

Even when healthy we lacked that top tier talent all UK final four and title teams have had.

Pope has done an amazing job with the top 15 wins and navigating the injuries. I've been very impressed and excited to see how he grows as a coach in the coming seasons.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

We definitely need some elite athlete basketball players going forward.

Even when healthy we lacked that top tier talent all UK final four and title teams have had.

Pope has done an amazing job with the top 15 wins and navigating the injuries. I've been very impressed and excited to see how he grows as a coach in the coming seasons.

I agree with all that. His game prep and coaching are both great. The crucial evolution needs to be in his system and roster building.

In today's sec you can't just shoot enough threes to win. That's because other better teams do that too, plus have better athletes, and way better defenses.

Lets hope he adjusts or we'll just stay well behind bama, Auburn, and Florida.

 

[cat tat2]

We’re too slow, can’t get past anyone and can’t stay in front of anyone. Alabama really pressured us on the perimeter, taking away the 3’s and forcing turnovers. We don’t have the speed/quickness to counter. Bama is far more talented, that’s easy to see. That said, the Cats performance last night was absolutely pathetic and disgusting.

 

[billoliver40]

Love the passion Pope has brought back into this. Like has been said these are guys he recruited. In all defense no one could foresee this bunch of injuries. Always can do 'what if'...but that's just life.
Proud of this team. Bad night to have a really bad night.

Really need a win in the Dance. Two would be sweeter, but really need that first one.
Need to break that zero number the coach has and the bad luck this program has had.

 

[Haggin_Hall_1983]

KY is the only team that we played and don't have a win against this season. I am not expecting any help from the refs today playing Bama. I am kind of curious how they play us today strategy wise since that defensive strategy they tried last time didn't get them a win.

This just may be your year GF- Great defense at every position, great 3pt % from multiple positions, maybe the best 1-2 punch on the frontcourt. Condon is a beast- you guys owned Auburn and Bama on the inside. I think that Oats knows that his guys "can't play with you", and Pearl does too. Whoever Sears and Nelson guard, is the person that takes the ball to the basket- driving against them = foul.

 

[65pacecar]

KY is the only team that we played and don't have a win against this season. I am not expecting any help from the refs today playing Bama. I am kind of curious how they play us today strategy wise since that defensive strategy they tried last time didn't get them a win.

Hope you guys win the SECT this year. Can’t stand Pearl or Oats. They May amp up the football style of play and just try to hit you harder this time, seems to be both programs MO. Good luck, hope AU and Bama lose first round of NCAAT. I really get sick of Oats whining and working of the refs, he is like a Coach K lite. Pearl is just a greasy Piece of garbage.

 

[chroix]

No one gets to build over multiple seasons. Everyone is one and done with the portal.

I love pope too but here's the harsh truth: even given a short time he got basically everyone he wanted. Next years talent level wont look much different. So these guys are a typical pope team and against elite athletes we get shut down and we can't defend because we have only shooters.

Imo he sounded defeated post game because he knows his system with shooters isn't enough to win the sec but his system only works with shooters. So he has to reevaluate everything about his core philosophy.

All of the teams I listed returned significant players. We are the only team that had to completely reload. You’re being emotional and making shit up. Take away injuries and the team he put together in three weeks would have a good shot at a Final Four.

 

[chroix]

Auburn with their scrappy squad Bruce Pearl threw together last second LOL.

 

[MonsterMash79]

Bama and Auburn are just on a different level than we are.

Don’t be mad BBN, it’s Popes first year with 3.5 players out vs a seasoned coach and team.

Noah, Perry and Chandler wouldn’t even see the floor if they played for Bama.

We’ve had some great wins vs Duke, Zags, UL, UT twice. We’re above what we expected. Go easy.

This 👆

 

[MonsterMash79]

Auburn with their scrappy squad Bruce Pearl threw together last second LOL.

Right lol… assembled that team 7 years ago

 

[blackcat714]

I have always thought Alabama is the best team in SEC this year

 

[MonsterMash79]

KY is the only team that we played and don't have a win against this season. I am not expecting any help from the refs today playing Bama. I am kind of curious how they play us today strategy wise since that defensive strategy they tried last time didn't get them a win.

Can’t stand Florida but hope you guys win the SEC 💪

 

[bigblueinsanity]

All of the teams I listed returned significant players. We are the only team that had to completely reload. You’re being emotional and making shit up. Take away injuries and the team he put together in three weeks would have a good shot at a Final Four.

Yes but they all had to be recruited back. Oweh and Garrison will have to be recruited back too. Every single team in major college basketball will have to recruit their teams every single year and then supplement their retained players with portal guys.

Its everyone. Not just us.

 

[chroix]

Yes but they all had to be recruited back. Oweh and Garrison will have to be recruited back too. Every single team in major college basketball will have to recruit their teams every single year and then supplement their retained players with portal guys.

Its everyone. Not just us.

You said no one gets to build over multiple seasons. That’s different than you have to recruit them back. It also assumes that kids aren’t just cool with their existing coach and NIL. Your post has some truth to it but frames it in a hyperbolic way that steps on your valid points.

 

[crawfords corner]

I don't find Bama impressive at all. They took advantage of 2 things against Kentucky

The domino effect of Butler not playing and UK running out of gas(in large part from being down 3 players) from playing the SAME DAY as they played an intense last second game against a desperate Oklahoma team. UK missed wide open shots and shot themselves in the foot often without any pressure from Bama

 

[Aike]

You said no one gets to build over multiple seasons. That’s different than you have to recruit them back. It also assumes that kids aren’t just cool with their existing coach and NIL. Your post has some truth to it but frames it in a hyperbolic way that steps on your valid points.

Right. If you recruit a guy back who already knows your system, that’s better than recruiting an equally talented player who does not.

That’s why you still see JR On the sidelines “coaching” Lamont Butler at times. JR is the only one internally who understands the depth and nuance of the system.

Now imagine having 5-6 guys on your roster like that. Or even just look at a team like Florida year over year.

I actually predicted we would have a Florida 2024 type season this year. I think most would agree that our actual performance has been fairly similar. I think you can look at the leap they made year over year and get a good analog for the potential of year 2 under Pope.

Will also note that were it not for injuries, I believe we would have clearly exceeded Florida 2024.

 

[JohnnyGreen1975]

Bama and Auburn are just on a different level than we are.

Don’t be mad BBN, it’s Popes first year with 3.5 players out vs a seasoned coach and team.

Noah, Perry and Chandler wouldn’t even see the floor if they played for Bama.

We’ve had some great wins vs Duke, Zags, UL, UT twice. We’re above what we expected. Go easy.

We have all seen teams get blown out and then do really well (Final Four or better) in the tournament. I am praying we get healthy and can go on a run.

 

[Aike]

We have all seen teams get blown out and then do really well (Final Four or better) in the tournament. I am praying we get healthy and can go on a run.

We blew out both Kansas and UNC in 2022.

 

[JohnnyGreen1975]

We blew out both Kansas and UNC in 2022.

 

[HeismaNole]

All about matchups. The teams who make the final four are rarely the four teams in the country. But yes, Bama and Auburn are wayyyy ahead of us in terms of talent. It’s not even close.

 

[UKAlum84]

Yeah, give bama and auburn teams in the tourney who are fresh and not banged up.........upset city. just saying.